An Introduction from the Desk of Executive Director, Angie Jeffords

From the Desk of Angie Jeffords - October 26, 2022

Dear Friends of the PLAY Boulder Foundation,

I am writing to you today to introduce myself. I’m Angie Jeffords, the executive director of PLAY Boulder Foundation. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to fill this role for nine months so far, and I am inspired every day by the opportunities this organization has today – and what I strongly believe are the opportunities that are ahead of us.

What do you need to know about me to trust my leadership?

Boulder has been my playground for most of my life. My family moved here in 1974 and immediately found our place in the community. We lived all over Boulder, so growing up, I got to sample the full breadth of Boulder’s green space.

I remember Track and Field Day at North Boulder Park. I celebrated my birthday at Boulder Reservoir and got to see the first Kinetics Race with the other 50 spectators. I remember sitting on the lawn of the Courthouse cheering for my father when he announced his run for County Commissioner and my children held signs that read, “Go, Grandpa!”

I had my first kiss at Salzberg Park. I ran my first race at Boulder Reservoir. I snuck into Folsom Field to hear the Rolling Stones. I have hiked countless miles, attended wedding and birthday and graduation parties at Chautauqua, spent Fourth of July at Scott Carpenter Park.

When we think about living in Boulder today, I think I speak for many when I say: so much of what I cherish has to do with the parks and outdoor spaces. They allow us to find joy and challenge, to meet and connect, to be part of something.

I bring every piece of my love for these spaces and their significance into my role as Executive Director of the PLAY Boulder Foundation.

The 3 pillars of the Foundation’s work — access, environmental sustainability, and placemaking — align perfectly with my Boulder story, my values and my passions.

Access provides opportunities for under-resourced youth and people with disabilities to get out and participate in recreational activities. We provide resources that remove barriers to access. As a person with a disability of my own (I am blind), this is for obvious reasons something I believe in with a passion.

I believe in teams and confidence and equity. I have an obvious stake here, and love that I get to champion this as ED.

I am so excited about the opportunity of the Tree Trust, which falls under our pillar of environmental sustainability. It is going to allow us to engage the community and build a model for positive climate action. You’ll hear a lot more about this project, but for now, please know that this lights me up.

And placemaking, pillar number three, touches on my story: the PLAY Boulder Foundation is all about creating and maintaining and improving the landscapes for our lives here.

As we move into fall and watch our vibrant community light up with new color, new students at the University, and anticipation of a season full of activities, I am filled with my memories and my hopes for the years to come. I look forward to leading the PLAY Boulder Foundation towards continued growth and increased opportunity.

I have a lot more to say, and I look forward to more regular communication, both by email and please feel free to reach out to me anytime for a chat or a walk in a park!

Looking forward to working together,
Angie Jeffords